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Vital records office in South Dakota — birth, marriage, death certificates

CDC-listed vital records office for South Dakota. How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates for immigration filings (I

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Vital records office in South Dakota

How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from South Dakota for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.

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Birth

Event: Birth Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: Vital Records 221 W Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501 Remarks: State office has records filed after July 1905. Personal check or money order should be made payable to South Dakota Department of Health . To verify current fees the telephone number is (605) 773-4961 . Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the internet at the South Dakota Department of Health website . Mail-in applicants must send in a clear copy of a government-issued photo ID OR have their signature notarized. Death

Event: Death Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: Vital Records 221 W Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501 Remarks: State office has records filed after July 1905. Personal check or money order should be made payable to South Dakota Department of Health . To verify current fees the telephone number is (605) 773-4961 . Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the internet at the South Dakota Department of Health website . Mail-in applicants must send in a clear copy of a government-issued photo ID OR have their signature notarized. Marriage

Event: Marriage Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: Vital Records 221 W Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501 Remarks: Records since July 1905. Marriages can also be obtained from the County Register of Deeds where the marriage occurred. Divorce

Event: Divorce Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: Vital Records 221 W Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501 Remarks: Records since July 1905. Divorces can also be obtained from the Clerk of Courts in the county where the divorce was granted.

Last Reviewed: November 6, 2015 Source: National Center for Health Statistics

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South Dakota vital records office details

Why immigrants need certified vital records

USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:

  • I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
  • I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
  • N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
  • Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
  • School enrollment — proof of date of birth
  • Real ID applications — proof of identity

Apostille and authentication

If you need to use a South Dakota vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.

Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the South Dakota office.

Order vital records in South Dakota

Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get a US birth certificate from South Dakota?
From the South Dakota vital records office listed below. Requests can typically be submitted online, by mail, or in person. You’ll need to prove identity and pay a fee (~$15-30 for first copy, plus shipping). For immigration purposes (I-130 evidence, naturalization), you need a CERTIFIED COPY (original with raised seal), not a photocopy.
How do I get a marriage certificate from South Dakota?
Marriage certificates are typically issued by the county clerk where the marriage license was issued, not the state vital records office. The state office may have copies of older records. For recent marriages, contact the county clerk’s office in the county of the wedding.
What if my certificate is in Spanish or another language?
If filing with USCIS, certificates in any language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translator must certify they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. See /procedures/translate-document-uscis/ for the standard certification language.
Can I order vital records for someone else?
Most states restrict access to vital records to: the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, siblings, or legal representatives. ID verification is required. For genealogical research, records become open to the public after a waiting period (usually 50-100 years).

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.